Shield runs still count for Test selection, says Darren Lehmann

Darren Lehmann insists Sheffield Shield runs are still valuable following the non-selection of Phillip Hughes for the tour of South Africa.

Lehmann has met Hughes to explain the reasons for his omission but the Australian coach and selector was adamant the contents of their conversation would stay private.

Hughes was left off the plane to Africa despite scoring 549 runs at 61, with three centuries and a highest score of 204 in five shield matches this season. The batsman is said to have been devastated, thinking he had done what the selectors asked since he was dropped during last winter's Ashes. George Bailey was picked on ODI form for the return series, then dropped. Shaun Marsh, who is likely to resume his Test career against the Proteas at No.3, has made 248 shield runs this season at 31, including 127 not out against Victoria.

''I had a good chat to Phil the other night in Sydney and that is a conversation that will stay between him and me,'' Lehmann said. ''He is making runs and that is all he can do.''

Asked if Sheffield Shield form was still important when picking Test squads, he said: ''Yeah, very much so.''